US gets tough on airlines

New rules designed to protect the rights of airline passengers are due to come into effect in the US tomorrow (Tuesday).

The rules, brought in by the US Transportation Department, will mean:

- US and overseas airlines will receive fines of up to $27,500 per passenger if an international flight is left sitting on the tarmac for more than four hours without taking off

- more compensation for passengers who are bumped from a flight due to over selling. Under the new rules, passengers will get double the price of their tickets up to $650 if their arrival is delayed just a few hours. Previously, compensation was equal to the ticket value, up to $400. Longer delays will mean payments of four times the ticket value, up to $1,300. Currently, this level is capped at $800.

- airlines will have to prominently disclose all ancillary fees on their websites, including baggage fees, meals and cancelling reservations.

More rules are due to come into force but have been delayed until January after airlines complained they needed more time to adapt their businesses.

Under these additional rules, airlines will also have to:

- include all government taxes and fees in advertised fares

- promptly notify passengers of cancellations and delays of more than 30 minutes at the boarding gate, online and via their phone reservation systems

- allow customers to cancel reservations without payment for at least 24 hours if they're made at least a week before departure

- not raise prices after a ticket has been bought unless it's because government taxes and fees have been increased and the passenger agrees to any increase.

With permission from Travelmole